New York Giants have a lot of needs to fill this April in the 2013 NFL Draft. With the releases of Chris Canty and Ahmad Bradshaw creates two more needs.
1. Tyler Eifert, Tight End, Notre Dame
With the potential of the Giants losing Martellus Bennett and Travis Beckum to free agency, New York will need to reload the position. Eifert is the top tight end coming out of college football after his season for the Fighting Irish. At 6’5 and 250 pounds he is a big target and has great mobility for player his size. He is a Jason Witten starter kit but at a higher price due to being a first round talent and not drafted in the fourth round like the Cowboys were able to.
2. Chase Thomas, Outside Linebacker, Stanford
The news of Chris Canty being released broke yesterday after the mediocre seasons in New York. Giants need a defensive end that can take some pressure of Jason Pierre-Paul and Thomas can provide a spark. He can also play linebacker in that hybrid mode. Thomas played outside linebacker for Stanford but they run a 3-4 scheme and he could move up and put his hand on the ground.
3. Tharold Simon, Cornerback, Louisiana State
It is no secret that the Giants struggled defensively especially in the secondary. When your corners can’t lock down a wide receiver the defense has no time to get to the quarterback. Simon would be a steal for the Giants in the third round, being 6’3 it will make it near impossible to throw over the top of him.
4. Knile Davis, Running Back, Arkansas
This past season the Giants got over 700 yards and 12 touchdowns from the tandom of Andre Brown and David Wilson. The starter who rushed from 1,015 yards and six touchdowns Ahmad Bradshaw was released which was open up competition for the starting job. Wilson and Brown are both young, but Wilson had issues with ball protection and could be the ideal situation for Davis to step into.
5. T.J. McDonald Jr, Safety, Southern California
Age is becoming an issue for this team especially at the safety position opposite Stevie Brown. McDonald plays on the level of Roy Williams or LaRon Landry; they are punishing hitters but are suspect in the passing game. He would be a good fit at the strong safety especially in the fifth round.
6. Denard Robinson, Wide Receiver, Michigan
Robinson was a dynamic player for the Wolverines the past few seasons. He was more a threat to take off running down the field in the read option offense than chunking the ball downfield. New York would be a great spot for the man they call “Shoelace” to learn from Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. He would most likely be the fourth option but an opportunity to make his name on special teams.
7. Ricky Wagner, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin
It seems like every season the Badgers are producing another top lineman to go onto the NFL. Wagner has the possibility of being the next great lineman. He struggles with the speed rushers and can actually make the move inside to guard. With the Giants linemen getting older this is a chance for Wagner to learn and work his way into the lineup and give this team some youth that they need.